We know how important it is to keep in touch. We publish news in lots of different ways. These are our official media releases, and articles provided to local papers.

We know how important it is to keep in touch. We publish news in lots of different ways. These are our official media releases, and articles provided to local papers.

It’s full steam ahead for Aotea Lagoon’s miniature train

The popular miniature train at Aotea Lagoon in Porirua is
back on track.

You’ll be able to hop on board this Labour Weekend, as the
Lions Club of Aotea Railway celebrates the opening with free rides on Sunday
and Monday (22-23 October).

“We’re really thrilled to be back,” says engine driver
and Lions club member Kevin Wright. ”A big thanks to the Council for all the work
they’ve done with us to repair and upgrade the track so we can start running
the train again.”

Council Project Manager Philip Royle says the service
stopped running in 2015 mainly because of rust and decay affecting the track.

Since then:

90
metres of track has been replaced using track sourced by the Lions

a
new bridge has been built over the duck pond

about
50 sleepers have been replaced

drainage
has been improved under parts of the track

a
build-up of silt has been cleared from under the track

safety
fencing has been put up in several sections

new
doors and a mural have been painted on the tunnel.

The 832m track runs around the park from a small station
at the southern end of the lagoon. The loop takes about five minutes on the
train.

“This is a fantastic attraction for children and their
families, so we’re really pleased we’ve been able to help get the service back
on track,” says Mr Royle.

While the track repairs have been done, the Lions have
been spending the weekends doing maintenance and tidying up the engine and
carriages so they’re ready for action.

The Aotea Lagoon miniature train service has been running
since 1979, in fact Mr Wright remembers taking his own children and became
involved, as a driver and maintenance volunteer, when his grandchildren were
young.

“I joined as a volunteer 17 years ago and I’ve been down
there every Sunday since…I love it. I
absolutely love it. It’s the kids; their
laughter and satisfaction, the screams in the tunnel. It’s a million dollars to the young ones.”

“There’s been so much interest in getting the trains
running again. I’ve already got three party bookings for December,” says Mr
Wright.

The miniature train will run 1pm to 4pm on Sunday and
Monday of Labour Weekend with all rides free.
After that it will run at the same time every Sunday all year round
(weather permitting) with rides costing $2.50 (children aged three and under
are free).